Jack-O'-Lantern Sandwich (Print-Friendly Version)
Pumpkin spice sugar cookies paired with cream cheese frosting create a festive and flavorful autumn delight.
# Ingredients:
→ Cookie Dough
01 -
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
02 -
1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
03 -
1 teaspoon baking powder
04 -
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
05 -
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
06 -
1/2 cup granulated sugar
07 -
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
08 -
1 large egg
09 -
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
10 -
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
→ Cream Cheese Frosting
11 -
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
12 -
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
13 -
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
14 -
Pinch kosher salt
# Steps:
01 -
Whisk together flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and kosher salt in a large bowl until evenly blended.
02 -
Using a hand mixer, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Incorporate the egg and mix well. Add pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, beating until fully combined.
03 -
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours or up to 3 days to firm up.
04 -
Preheat work surface by lightly dusting with flour. Roll one dough disc out to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out pumpkin shapes using a pumpkin cookie cutter and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets. Re-roll scraps as needed. Freeze the cut cookies for 15 minutes to help maintain shape during baking.
05 -
Preheat oven to 350°F. Using a paring knife, carefully carve faces into half of the cookies. If the dough softens, return cookies to the freezer for easier cutting and to retain shape during baking.
06 -
Bake cookies for 8 to 10 minutes until set but not browned. Remove and cool completely on wire racks.
07 -
Meanwhile, beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar in a bowl with a hand mixer until smooth. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of kosher salt, mixing until combined.
08 -
Spread cream cheese frosting on the back of the cookies without faces. Top each frosted cookie with a carved face cookie, gently pressing together to form sandwiches.
# Notes & Tips:
01 -
Chilling the dough and cookies before baking helps maintain sharp edges and prevents spreading.